Chapter 971

Layne Everhart was touched, but he needed to investigate the matter first.

Mrs. Shannon thought for a moment. "Let's keep this from Ms. Sterling for now. We can check the security footage privately."

Before Layne could answer, his phone rang. It was Maeve Sterling.

"Layne, I just saw the news about the apartment. Is Mrs. Shannon still there? Did you go back to check on things?"

Maeve's voice carried a hint of urgency and concern. Her words were earnest, making it sound as though she was genuinely worried about the housekeeper. Layne paused for a few seconds. "Mrs. Shannon is fine. Just a little shaken up." "It was such a massive explosion. Is she really unhurt?"

Maeve was highly suspicious. The news reports hadn't detailed any casualties or injuries. She had been scrolling through her phone while browsing the mall, but there were no further updates on the blast at Layne's penthouse.

"Yeah. Why?"

Layne's question caught Maeve off guard. Did that old woman really escape without a single scratch? Her voice turned slightly awkward.

"I was just terrified something terrible had happened to her. Thank God she's okay."

In the past, Layne wouldn't have scrutinized Maeve's reactions. But after this inexplicable explosion, he couldn't help but raise his guard around her.

"You don't sound very happy about it."

Layne wasn't sure if he was overthinking, but Maeve's tone genuinely lacked relief.

It almost sounded as if she had wished for Mrs. Shannon's demise.

"How could you say that? I'm just exhausted from walking around. I was terrified you might have gone home like you usually do and gotten caught in it. As soon as I saw the

news called you

I'm just so

reffeved you and Mrs. Shannon are both safe."

Layne trusted his gut. Something about Maeve was incredibly off.

He spoke in a flat tone. "Where are you right now?"

Maeve glanced at her surroundings. "I'm doing a bit of shopping at the mall. How

about you pick me up after work? I'll text you the address."

Layne agreed, and they both ended the call.

Maeve wandered aimlessly through the stores, picking out items she loved but would have once hesitated to buy. She swiped kayne's eard without a second thought. Over the past two years with him, hero standard of living had skyrocketed. She could buy whatever she wanted on a whim, proving just how much Layne spoiled her.

The limitless credit cards he gave her were hers to use freely. If she maxed one out, he would simply hand her another. Being with Layne gave Maeve an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

She spotted a stunning dress. Just as she asked the sales associate to fetch her size, she noticed an elegant woman across the floor. The woman spotted her too. After a tense moment of eye contact, Maeve murmured weakly, "Mom?"

"Maeve?"

Mrs. Sterling could hardly believe her eyes. Her daughter had been

missing for two years-vanished without a trace. Even she had given up hope of finding her never expecting to run into her at a mall just a ten-minute drive from the Sterling estate.

A chill ran down Maeve's spine. If she had known, she would have picked a shopping center further away from the family home. But this one was conveniently close to Layne's office.

"Maeve, you're alive. You're really alive. Thank God."

Mrs. Sterling nearly lost control, tears streaming down her face. Maeve's eyes grew damp as well. The mother and daughter found a quiet, inconspicuous corner to sit down and talk over coffee.

"Where have you been? I cried every single day after you disappeared. I thought you were dead."

Mrs. Sterling wiped her tears. Maeve couldn't tell her that she was currently living with Layne, nor did she want to.